TVStud Info on the first round of negotiations: No offer and no collective agreement? We are turning up the pressure!
The first round of negotiations on 3 December 2025 has shown that, as expected, the Tarifgemeinschaft deutscher Länder (TdL) [employers’ association] is not going to hand us any gifts and that only by increasing pressure we are going to push through our demands for a collective agreement and better working conditions. The TdL only wants to talk about minimum hourly wages. For us, one thing is clear: that is not enough! The inclusion of this demand by our trade unions made it clear once again: we will not settle for half measures! We want a collective agreement!
Lead negotiator Andreas Dressel sees no new arguments for collective agreement coverage of our working conditions. In doing so, the TdL continues to ignore the reality at universities and colleges. The arguments are there for all to see! Exploitation and precariousness due to chain fixed-term contracts and short contract terms, disregard for legal minimum standards such as holiday entitlement or lack of continued pay in the event of illness must come to an end.
We will no longer tolerate this ignorance and evasion. The TdL is responsible for one of the biggest gaps in public sector collective bargaining. Now it is up to us to hold them accountable! Now is the time to organise and stand united against the TdL. The critical phase is beginning: get involved in local strike activities! If the TdL does not make a move, then we will – if necessary, by going on strike.
The second round of negotiations on 15–16 January 2026 will show whether the pressure is already having an effect. We urge the finance ministers to stop ignoring the reality at universities and give us what we deserve: collective bargaining agreements for our working conditions and recognition of our indispensable work, which keeps universities and colleges running!
Ready to strike nationwide: Take to the streets together on University Action Day!
Between the second and third rounds of negotiations, our nationwide #Hochschulaktionstag [University Action Day] will take place on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 (www.hochschulaktionstag2026.de). In the last round of collective bargaining in 2023, students, university and student services employees, along with student workers in over 85 cities took to the streets together to demand better working and studying conditions. Now we need to repeat and build on this success…
The planning and formation of local alliances is well underway. If you want to make the day of action a day of strike action (provided that the second round of collective bargaining negotiations does not produce a result), you should now approach your full-timers at ver.di and GEW and coordinate this with them. Ultimately, our trade unions will need to call for strike action if you want to join many colleagues in other cities in laying down your work on 28 January 2026.
For more transparency and participation in collective bargaining!
Become a TVStud ambassador now so that you are always up to date with the latest developments in the negotiations. As a TVStud ambassador, you are the link between student employees at the university and the delegates in the TVStud negotiating commission. You talk to your colleagues, get a feel for the mood at the university, collect comments and feedback, and bring them into the discussion process. In doing so, you strengthen our joint negotiating position!
On Thursday, 4 December at 6 p.m., the first video call for all TVStud ambassadors will take place, with a collective assessment of the first day of negotiations and a discussion of the next steps in collecting and discussing the feedback of our colleagues.
Further information about the process and how to register as a TVStud ambassador can be found at tvstud.de/tvstud-botschafterinnen.